NYC Restaurants

Given that Paris is my second favorite city in the world, it should come as no surprise that Maison is one my favorite midtown hangouts. And one can hang out here 24 hours a day, since Maison serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. While you may prefer the enormous outdoor area – a popular oasis in summer and now beautifully enclosed and heated for winner – the smaller back room with its truly Gallic brasserie feel is what delights me.

Any time of year, the house’s onion soup is an ideal starter, thanks to its remarkably flavorful onion-filled broth topped with an extravagant amount of croutons and melted cheese. The Caesar salad isn’t in the same league, but it’s better than many of this town’s tepid renditions thanks to a tangy dressing and freshly grated cheese.

Crepes are a recent addition to the dinner menu, and the one filled with duck confit and leeks, accompanied by more duck confit, a trio of prunes and a huge head of roasted garlic is truly delicious. Even more authentic is the house’s croque monseiur, the French sandwich of grilled cheese and ham that makes an ideal lunch or light dinner.

Carnivores will be pleased by a well-made burger or classic steak frites, while those who prefer seafood will be wild about the excellent mussels (which also comes in a variety of preparations).

Sadly, Maison’s desserts have never impressed me, so I often do like the French and go to another café to satisfy my sweet tooth. If only I had the time (and the money) to hop a jet to Paris for the final course.